We put Vital Norwich’s Michael Dilley through nine questions ahead of Barnsley’s clash with the Canaries at Oakwell tomorrow.
1. You’ve had a pretty indifferent start to the season, are you happy with your side’s performances so far?
I’d say ‘inconsistent’ is probably more accurate. For the first few games we played some good stuff but couldn’t finish our chances.
Then we brought Sibierski in and everything seemed to click at Plymouth, only for it go wrong again against QPR, before we beat Sheffield United in injury time. We’re all over the place!
I’d like to see us playing with a bit more tempo if possible, as when we move the ball around quickly we’re a match for most teams in the division – however when it’s slow and predictable we get nowhere fast.
2. You had an early exit from the League Cup like Barnsley, do you think that this competition is only lucrative for smaller clubs?
I’m not sure it’s particularly lucrative for many clubs until the later rounds to be honest. I always remember reading an interview with our Chief Executive Neil Doncaster, when he said that unless we get to something like the fourth round we usually actually lose money in the cups.
Plus I’d like to think we’re concentrating on the league!
3. Who do you think was your best signing over the Summer?
Sammy Clingan has impressed me quite a lot and also John Kennedy, but I think they’ll be out on Saturday through injury!
Of the the new signings likely to play, Wes Hoolahan looks a good buy. I just hope the pressure of being ‘the new Huckerby’ doesn’t get too much for him.
4. It wasn’t that long ago since you were playing Premier League football down at Carrow Road, but how do you feel the game in the top flight has changed since you came down?
I think simply put it’s just become more of a closed-shop hasn’t it? When you see the amount of money these clubs pick up in TV revenue etc it’s no wonder the gap gets bigger and bigger.
To be honest it’s a bit of a nightmare as you obviously want your club to be in the Premier League, but even with the best will in the world all you can really hope for is to stay up – and what sort of future does that leave the game with? Two/three teams who can win the league, and the rest pretty much just happy to be there!
5. (Out of curiosity) Which South Yorkshire Club do you enjoy visiting the most and why?
I’ve always liked going to Hillsborough. I think it’s a good, old fashioned ground and the Wednesday fans have always been decent enough.
I do remember that the best chippy I’ve been to around South Yorkshire was in Barnsley though, so you win that one!
6. What’s the greatest game you’ve seen between Barnsley and Norwich?
It’s got to be when we beat you 5-1 at Carrow Road a couple of seasons ago. We don’t beat teams 5-1 everyday, so it was beautiful or me that day!
7. What are/is your expectations/prediction for Norwich this season?
After last season anything is an improvement really, and although I’d like (love) to see us up and around the play-off places I think we’d probably all settle for a good upper-mid table finish. Then we’ll blitz the league next year (cough)!
8. If you could sign any Barnsley player – who would it be? (if you want one that is!)
Blimey, I’d better get thinking how many I know! The one that springs to mind, mainly because of the FA Cup run I guess, is Brian Howard. He’d do for me.
9. Finally – prediction for Saturday’s clash?
I think it depends which City team turns up. If it’s the hungry, energetic City that plays with pace I think we’ll win, possibly 2-0. If it’s the lethargic, predictable City we saw against QPR, then anything could happen!
A big thanks to Michael Dilley over at Vital Norwich for taking time out to answer these questions.
You can check out Vital Barnsley’s view here :
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